FNB CPUT faced a tough battle against FNB Varsity College, going down 40-17 in a match filled with intense moments, strong comebacks, and unfortunate setbacks, including two red cards.
FNB Varsity College started strong, scoring four unanswered tries in the first half, with Thabo Njapha, Khumo-etsile Nkutha, Benjamin Brett Field, and Edward Sigauke all crossing the line.
Flyhalf Frederick Marx was clinical with the boot, converting three of them to give FNB Varsity College a commanding 26-0 lead at halftime. FNB CPUT came out fighting in the second half, with Nkosephayo Ngema scoring early to get the team on the board.
The Comets responded quickly, with Sigauke grabbing his second try and Marx adding the extras. FNB CPUT’s Denley Adams and Oyintando Maseti kept the fight alive, both scoring crucial tries, but FNB Varsity College’s Juan Orde Steyl sealed the game with another converted try.
The full-time score was 40 -17 to FNB Varsity College, despite flashes of brilliance, FNB CPUT’s momentum was halted by two red cards, making a comeback even more difficult. The team showed heart but will need to regroup and sharpen their discipline for the next fixture.
Scorers:
FNB CPUT: Tries: Nkosephavo 'Ox' Ngema, Denley Adams, Oyintando Maseti. Conversion: Oyintando Maseti.
FNB Varsity College: Tries: Thabo Njapha, Khumo-etsile Nkutha, Benjamin Brett Field, Edward Sigauke (2), Juan Orde Els. Conversions: Frederick Marx.
Teams:
FNB CPUT: 1 Nkosephayo Ngema, 2 Lindisipho Lihle Kula, 3 Kieran Delaan Naidoo, 4 Ntsako Ashely Mhlanga, 5 Keenan Benjamin Odwa Rolosi, 6 Lathitha Sange Ratsibe, 7 Naaba Mveliao Nkonyeni, 8 Denley Krid Adams, 9 Jayson January, 10 Ovintando Honour Massti, 11 Jesse-Owen Denation, 12 Timothy Matthew Shortles, 13 Iwaan Bloys, 14 Noah Pekeur, 15 Keewan Titus. Replacements: 16 Kyle Ahrendse, 17 Gerald Junior Ghambi, 18 Ashton Maloy, 19 Andrew John Williams, 20 Evan Aldrich Plaatjies, 21 Ndinani Nodlayiya, 22 Keano Gerswin Cookson, 23 Carick Ethan Kustoor.
FNB Varsity College: 1 Daniel Van Huizen, 2 Thabo Niapha, 3 Donell Francis, 4 Reece Curtin, 5 Garren Muller, 6 Sinelifa Newana, 7 Enzo Van Niekerk, 8 Khumo-etsile Nkutha, 9 Abande Mthembu, 10 Frederick Marx, 11 Edward Sigauke, 12 Mambo Mkhize, 13 MJ Schoeman, 14 Allston Cedras, 15 Benjamin Brett Field. Replacements: 16 Jacques Marais, 17 Bradley Moroney, 18 Okuhlekodwa Meyiwa, 19 Robert Everson, 20 Juan Orde Steyl, 21 Christian Els, 22 Sivuyiswe Mpendu, 23 Chandler Green.